BNP has asked the Election Commission (EC) not to appoint employees of Islami Bank and allied institutions as polling officials for the 13th parliamentary elections. 

A written submission to CEC AMM Nasir Uddin cites Islami Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Islami Bank Hospital and Ibn Sina as examples, arguing neutrality would be compromised.

A delegation led by Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan delivered a 36-point agenda. He later told reporters that “controversial” individuals should not be assigned to election duties, displaying a document titled “Action points for free and impartial elections.”

Key proposals include overhauling field administration; drawing returning officers from both the civil service and EC cadre; placing transfers and conduct of all civil and uniformed services under EC control during the poll period; and stationing army, BGB, RAB and police at centres a week before voting.

The BNP also seeks magistracy powers for EC officials, CCTV at centres (excluding secret booths), rapid complaint cells, suspension of school managing committee polls, withdrawal of “fabricated” cases, recovery of illegal arms, curbs on money and muscle, timely photo voter lists, immediate centre-level result announcements, limits on local observers in home districts, and no deployment of community police or Ansar & VDP in home districts.

Dr Moyeen Khan said past elections drew international criticism and urged the EC to rebuild public confidence despite manpower limits. 

He voiced concern about possible disorder but expressed faith that voters would exercise their rights peacefully. 

On alliances, he noted coalitions are common, recalling BNP’s 2001 pre-election pact with Jamaat-e-Islami.

SMS/